I have a Bernese Mountain Dog and sometimes he eats his food fine but some times he will not eat for days. I was wondering if it is the fact he has to be tied up a lot of the time.
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No dog should go days without eating unless there's a medical reason for it. Maybe he doesn't like the food. If it's a cheap food he probably doesn't. Does he show any symptoms of not feeling well? If he's tied out to much (due to lack of a fence) maybe he's not getting enough exercise or he's depressed. They are pack animals & are only happy when they're in the house with other animals & people. If you could invest in a fence it would be a good solution. And take him for regular walks since it sounds like he's an only dog & not playing with any other dog. I would ask your vet. They are more knowledgable than anyone here.
Why is this working dog tied up? Are you walking the dog daily? Why did you come here rather than take the dog to the vet?
His breed is used to working. He needs daily exercise. Forty-five minutes, let's say.
Otherwise, he may not like the food. Does it have both wet and dry? Does he get adequate water?
I don't know how long you've had the dog, but tying him up may make him develop bad habits.
This is such a magnificent breed, please consider giving him to someone who can care for him properly.
P-l-e-a-s-e don't keep a dog tied up all the time. It is actually cruel. They must have regular exercise and socialization. Dogs are "man's best friend" and that's how they need to be treated. I have 3 dogs, a german shepherd, a dachsund, and a white husky I'm babysitting. I take them to the dog park every day, sometimes twice. They love it and it does them so much good. They sleep and eat better.
Bernese Mountain dogs can be stricken with a terrible cancer, malignant histiocytosis... This cancer is prevelent only in this breed of dog...
www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/
Please have your dog checked by a vet and please mention this cancer to him.
Best,
Jim in Jax
While your reply shows concern it isn't exactly true or factual. This cancer is not only a Berner disease but is also found in other large breed dogs:
Males frequently don't eat if there are any females in season around. But please don't tie your berner up. They are just the most awesome dogs that are trustworthy, loyal. Give your dog some treats of roasted chicken or beef. Also join a local Bernese club. They have lots of wonderful members who can assist with knowledge on diet, club activities such as walks etc and often they will help with babysitting.
Hi I have a Pyranese, so she is your dog's cousin. I agree with others: even if the dog is tied up, it must be walked for at least an hour a day.
You must remember that dogs are pack animals and do not like to be left alone. I know this post is old but dog owners need to know that dogs get lonely and bored. When a dog lays around, it doesn't burn up many calories therefore, the dog may not want to eat. There are many reasons why some dogs won't eat. Please don't tie up your dog no matter what kind of a dog it is. You may as well re-home the dog if it's going to spend it's life tied up.
A dog wants to be with it's pack even if you are the only other 'member' of that pack. A dog must have it's needs met and when you tie your dog up, what need are you meeting?
All of our dogs are part of our family. They are my pack and I am their pack leader. They all arrived at different times and they all get along. We play with our dogs, give them plenty of attention and exercise and everyone is happy. Our dogs love to be outside but they live indoors. Luckily we have a huge back yard and lots of trees and places to run and play. When they come inside, they are tired and happy.
No one should even own a dog if the dog is going to be left alone outside. You wouldn't want to live that way, why should your dog?
No dog has to be tied up. Get a kennel. If you don't like the outdoor kennels in stores, go to a farmers' coop and choose your own panels, door panels, lid panels. All you need for assembly is a wrench, and make sure you buy enough attachment bolts and pieces. You can back up the kennel right to your sliding door, and just deadbolt the rest of the house off from the "pet area".
Or, move to a place with a fenced yard.
Or, pad train the dog. Most dogs are paper trained so that shouldn't be a problem. Unless the dog wasn't paper trained.
Or, walk the dog to poop 2X a day before & after work. Many dogs can hold their urine 11 hours with no problem. Do you errands on non-work days so you can get right home.
At least use a proper tie system so that the dog can run a long length of cable, while on the lead.
Maybe your dog is saving the food as a peace offering in case a meaner dog or bear comes by.
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